Method for making products having merged images

Abstract

A method for making display products that generate special visual effects with autostereographic, dynamic, alternating, animated, and morphed images used in conjunction with lenticulated arrays for marketing and informational purposes. The special imaging effects, which can be integrated with discrete lenticulated container structures for data storage media and other contents, are achieved by digitally sampling and formatting source images with resampling procedures and then generating a merged image file that serves as the digital input for color printers or digital printing presses. The sampled images are printed on substrates along with registration lines or on preperforated stock preformatted for use with a corresponding lenticulated component. Afterwards, the images are separated from the substrate by either cutting them from the substrate using the printed registration lines as guides or breaking them out along the preperforated lines. In either case, the image is separated along with surrounding structure as needed to provide an intermediate image bearing subassembly that is then further folded or otherwise configured for combination with its lenticulated plastic counterpart, preferably formed by injection molding. The lenticulated plastic components are configured to either act as a receptacle for the intermediate image subassembly or to attach to it. The resampling procedures are designed so that each image segment is sampled over an interval equivalent to the full width of an individual lenticule behind which it is intended to reside but the image data obtained for printing is fit to just that fraction of the lenticule width corresponding to the space allocated based on the number of interlaced images.